Explore Taiwan
Experience Overview
Discover a glittering coastline, lush landscapes and tranquil temples on this 11-day adventure through Taiwan. Be tempted by night market food stalls and welcomed into Indigenous tribes, visit tea farms and learn the tricks of local cuisine by collecting clams and cooking farm fresh onion pancakes. Travel to the misty mountains and serene lakes that have captured the attention of many international powers throughout history and learn why Taiwan earned the nickname ‘the beautiful island’. With a hike through mountainous foothills, a train ride through old growth forest and a local leader by your side to teach you about culture, land and people – this adventure will leave you curious and wanting more.
Highlights
- Discover Taiwan’s food culture by collecting clams in Wangong, sipping black tea at a plantation and cooking farm-fresh spring onion pancakes in Yilan.
- Hike through lush mountain foothills to a 12-tiered pagoda that overlooks Sun Moon Lake, and take a ride around the emerald green waters on a cycling adventure.
- Enjoy a special visit to the Indigenous Atayal tribe and spend some time with their community to learn about their forest survival techniques and costumes, then enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal that showcases tradition and Indigenous flavours.
- Explore stalls pilled with dried fruits, herbs and medicines on Dihua Street – considered one of the oldest streets in Taiwan.
- Ride the Forest Railway train through Alishan’s tropical and subtropical forest, then hike the Sacred Forest Trail to get closer to the old, resident Cypress trees.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1718
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Bus,Metro,Public Bus,Bike
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: CJSA
Starts: Taipei, Taiwan, Republic Of China
Finishes: Taipei, Taiwan, Republic Of China
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (10), Lunch (1),Accommodation: Hotel (8 nights),Guesthouse (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,970 ($361 /day)
Itinerary
Huan ying! Welcome to Taipei. Your adventure begins in the densely populated and beautifully located capital of Taiwan, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe visit the hot springs at Yangmingshan National Park. After the meeting, head out for an optional dinner with your fellow group members this evening.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Explore Taipei this morning on foot and metro system. With your local leader, you’ll stroll through Dihua Street – the oldest street in Taipei – to get a sense of the city’s merchant past and to see how young entrepreneurs are revitalising the area. You’ll pass by traditional Fujian-style Qing Dynasty homes, Baroque and modernist architecture from the Japanese occupation, and 100-year-old businesses still in operation, alongside modern cafes and craft shops – representing the different phases of Taipei’s history. Continue to the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall – an impressive dedication to the former president of the Republic of China. Then, you’ll have free time for the rest of the day and night. Maybe head to the Shilin Night Market for dinner tonight.
Included Activities:
- Taipei - Dihua Street walk
- Taipei - Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take a private transfer from Taipei to Yilan, visiting the National Palace Museum along the way – home to the world’s largest collection of Chinese art. Then, you’ll visit a spring onion farm to see how one of Taiwan’s favourite ingredients is grown. Pop on a pair of gum boots and get grubby in the fields, trying your hand at produce picking. Then, learn how to cook the spring onions in the beloved snack of Taiwanese pancakes. Arrive at your hotel in Yilan in the late afternoon and with your free evening, maybe relax or wander around at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- Yilan - Spring onion farm & cooking demostration
- Taipei - National Palace Museum
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, visit the Indigenous Atayal tribe – only 2.5% of the Taiwanese population are identified as Indigenous, and the Atayal people are one of the 16 main groups. Soak up the rare opportunity to connect with their community and learn about the cultural significance of their tribal costume and face tattoos. Try your hand at making the local bamboo rice and then enjoy the fruits of your labour as part of the hearty, home-cooked lunch with the locals. Using local ingredients, you’ll be treated to a showcase of delicious Indigenous flavours. Then head into the forest with a local who will demonstrate their traditional hunting and trap-setting tricks. Say goodbye to your gracious hosts and return to Yilan, where your evening is free.
Included Activities:
- Yilan - Indigenous Atayal tribe half day visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll visit a morning market to learn about the fresh ingredients used in local cooking. Then, learn how to make your own peanut roll ice cream from a local! Then, head to Sun Moon Lake – one of the most iconic destinations in Taiwan. This alpine lake lies in the foothills of the Central Mountain Range and is surrounded by forested peaks and foot trails. This is the only natural lake in Taiwan and is named for the shapes that its outline forms. You’ll stay at a guesthouse Puli, surrounded by lush, green gardens. You have a free evening to take a walk or relax and watch the sunset over the peaks.
Included Activities:
- Yilan - Morning market visit
- Chiayi - Peanut roll icecream making
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
Walk through the forested foothills of the mountains around Sun Moon Lake, along the Ci'en Pagoda Trail. At the trail's end, you can climb to the top of the 46-m-high pagoda and take in the sweeping views. Keep the active energy going on a cycling adventure along some scenic paths on the lake’s shores. The evening is yours to spend how you wish.
Included Activities:
- Sun Moon Lake - Ci'en Pagoda Trail walk
- Sun Moon Lake - Bike Ride
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, hop in a private vehicle headed for the Hugosum Tea Farm. Here, you’ll gain an insight into the production of Taiwan’s beloved black tea and have the opportunity to roll your own leaves, which will then be dried and packaged so you can take a taste of Taiwan home with you. Then, visit the Chung Tai Chan Monastery. Though it was built just 20 years ago, the unique combination of Chinese and Western architectural styles makes it an impressive sight. Here, you’ll take a guided tour with one of the resident nuns or a guide and learn the secrets and history of the monastery. After, head to Chiayi in a private vehicle where you’ll have a free evening.
Included Activities:
- Puli - Chung Tai Chan Monastery
- Puli - Hugosum Tea Farm
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Along with Sun Moon Lake and Taroko Gorge, Alishan is one of the most scenic areas in Taiwan and this morning, you’ll head to Alishan National Scenic Area to see it for yourself. Enjoy a train ride through the dense forest on the old Forest Railway, passing tropical forest, subtropical forest and temperate forest along the way. After your train ride, take a 2-hour hike on the Sacred Forest Trail to get closer to the flora and fauna, including the giant Cypress trees that call this park home. Later, return to Chiayi for a free evening.
Included Activities:
- Alishan - Forest railway
- Alishan - Sacred Forest Trail hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, head to the flat and fertile land of Changhua County, sometimes known as the ‘breadbasket’ of Taiwan. Visit Longshan Temple and explore the beautiful gardens on site. Continue to the fishing village of Fangyuan, where you’ll have the chance to go clam picking and discover water birds, fiddler crabs and mudskippers. There will also be the chance to sample local seafood like clams, crabs and oysters. In the afternoon, travel to Taichung for a free evening.
Included Activities:
- Lukang - Longshan Temple
- Fangyuan - Clam picking
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Return to Taipei, arriving around midday. Your afternoon and evening are free to explore the city at your leisure. Maybe meet back up with your leader and group for an optional dinner or visit the Taipei 101 Observation Deck for a magnificent view over the city at night.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. No activities are planned for the day, and you're free to leave the hotel any time after checkout. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Arno - Traveled, March 2024
Short yet insightful tour that will let you learn much about Taiwan, its people, culture and history. A great tour for lovers of Asian food!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Ella - Traveled, March 2024
This trip was amazing! Our guide Yui was so funny, organised and knowledgeable. The accommodation and activities were great. Taiwan is a beautiful country with such friendly people and I'll definitely be back :-)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
Anisha - Traveled, November 2023
Absolutely brilliant way to check out the highlights of Taiwan in a short amount of time. Our guide Joanna was incredible and you get a lot of free time to explore on your own as well. 10/10, would recommend to anyone wanting to visit Taiwan for the first time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/25/2024
Thomas - Traveled, November 2023
Great introduction to (mostly northern) Taiwan, touching all the highlights of scenery and cultural spots.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Krista - Traveled, November 2023
Taiwan is amazing, definitely more SE Asia vibes than I thought. I went in November and it was HOT! The food is really yum, alot more bread/wheat options than I thought there would be (I'm gluten intolerant). The activities planned provided a range of different interests for people, visiting the Indigenous village was a highlight. I would say that most people don't speak English in cities outside of Taipei, so it was hard to really wander off on your own, confidently. The whiskey tour didn't have a guide so we weren't able to really immerse ourselves in the experience, which was a bit disappointing, same with the boat tour, it was all in mandarin, so we didn't get to learn about Turtle Island to the extent I would have liked. I would highly recommend getting an e-sim while you are travelling, so you can google translate signs and be self sufficient, as it's hard for one Tour Guide to translate all the menus/food stalls for everyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2023
Aileen - Traveled, November 2023
A great way to see the highlights of Taiwan with lots of activity e.g. hiking, cycling, kayaking and cooking. Be prepared to be getting in and out of the bus often to walk and participate in activities. The food can be challenging and this is not a tour for picky eaters, meals are pre-ordered family style by the tour guide and you don't choose your own food.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2023
Suzel - Traveled, October 2023
· Traveled October 2023 Since this was my first trip to Taiwan, I was looking forward to experience what the country had to offer and was disappointed. The itinerary was inaccurate for certain events and a tour guide should have been used for english speaking group that can speak and understand English Review submitted 14 Nov 2023
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2023
Matthew - Traveled, October 2023
Excellent introduction to a fascinating country. Taiwan is easy to get around, has great food, and friendly people. I highly recommend a visit!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2023
Suzanne - Traveled, September 2023
Taiwan is an amazing location with great street food, remarkable geography, amazing culture, a mixed history with many influ6... French (superb pastries) Japanese, Chinese and indigenous tribes. The people are friendly, proud and always willing to help.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2023
Andrew - Traveled, May 2023
Interesting country and itinerary but unacceptable breakfasts for four nights and guide made an error and left us behind in the Gorges.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/28/2023
Fiona - Traveled, May 2023
Fascinating trip covering many areas within Taiwan - great food experiences, night markets, temples, hiking in the gorge, making spring onion pancakes, seeing dolphins and Turtle Island - hot springs and Sun Moon Lake Logan was our guide and he brought so much fun to the group - so much to learn about Taiwanese food and culture and Taoism This trip ticked all the boxes
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2023
Sharon - Traveled, June 2024
Taiwan is a hidden gem. It's cleaner, friendlier, and safer than most places. Food is everywhere. It's very laid back, too.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/25/2024
Lea - Traveled, June 2024
Taiwan is lusciously green, exceptionally clean with a fascinating culture and fantastic food. Because it is still relatively undiscovered locals aren’t yet jaded and cynical by too much tourism. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. It is what I imagine Japan was probably like before it was “discovered” by mass tourism. Go now before it is discovered.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2024
Kirsty - Traveled, May 2024
Taiwan is such a beautiful country! Exceed any expectations. A nature lover and foodies best holiday!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/12/2024
Carolyn - Traveled, April 2024
My Taiwan tour will always have a special place in my memories.We experience their culture, the food was amazing and the Taiwanese people we met along the way were just beautiful
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2024
Emily - Traveled, February 2024
An interesting trip with varied activities. If you are lucky enough to go to the Wufunqi waterfalls it is well worth the climb up all the steps, don't be sidelined onto the step free route which doesn't actually lead to the waterfalls. The visits to the Atayal tribe and cooking onion pancakes were highlights. Also sunrise in Hualien.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2024
Ann - Traveled, January 2024
An excellent tour but it needs to be longer to do justice to Taiwan, 10 days is too short, a fortnight would be better. The itinerary was good with many interesting sights and activities. The visit to the Leshui tribe was amazing, the highlight of the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/11/2024
Christopher - Traveled, January 2024
This was a fantastic trip but needs to be a few days longer to do Taiwan justice. It's a beautiful island and there is a lot to see. Spotlessly clean, lovely food and lovely people, with dramatic mountainous backdrops.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/11/2024
Jacklyn - Traveled, November 2023
Taiwan is an amazing country and this trip really showed it off! We got to see so many aspects of Taiwan and all the different influences that made it what it is today! Highly recommended trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2023
Shinta - Traveled, November 2023
This is not a trip if you expected to slowdown and chill. The itinerary is hectic, physically quite tiring with average 17k - 20k steps daily. This is a great trip to give you quick introduction to Taiwan. Bring your appetite and your inner foodie. Be adventurous with street snacks and night market. People are so nice and welcoming. It's easy to navigate the country, even if you don't speak and read Chinese. I'll definitely be back. 11 days are too short for all the food I want to taste.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2023
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